New dental registration rules to take effect in April

Starting 1 April, local dental graduates must complete a one-year internship with provisional registration.

The government has announced that new provisions concerning provisional registration, internships, and assessment periods under the Dentists Registration Ordinance will come into effect on April 1.

Under the revised ordinance, local dental graduates will be required to undergo a one-year internship with provisional registration before obtaining full registration. Similarly, non-locally trained dentists who have passed the Dental Council’s licensing examination must complete a period of assessment with provisional registration before being fully registered to practice in Hong Kong.

Interns and assessees will rotate through various dental services, including school, emergency, hospital, community, and general dental care, under experienced supervision.

The standard duration for internships and assessments is 12 months, though the Dental Council may shorten the assessment period for non-local dentists with prior experience. Poor performance may lead to extended or terminated training.

The government assured that the Dental Council and the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Dentistry have enough time to prepare for the transition.

Local graduates will begin internships this summer, whilst non-local dentists who passed the exam earlier can apply for full registration before 1 April.